On Sunday, I had a maternity session that can only be described as one of the most unusual, creative, and entertaining sessions that I've had to date. The momma-to-be was none other than my very fabulous cousin, Emily. Technically, Emily is more of a Second-Cousin-in-Law-Once-Removed, cousin, but really, she's more like a first cousin or sister to me. Because she's that awesome.

We had originally talked about doing her session close to her place, but then after getting to hang out with the Pinkletoes Toronto Workshop gals for a beautiful maternity session on Friday after my own family session, I thought it would be cool to do some maternity shots there. So I suggested that to Emily, who politely told me that that wasn't really her style. Nor was it the style of daddy-to-be. And since the whole point of my style of photography is to capture you and your personality, I obliged. And man, am I glad that I did, because Emily was totally right. The session we had TOTALLY captured momma and daddy-to-be perfectly!

To start with, daddy-to-be brought a slackline. If you're wondering what slacklining is, find out here.

Emily_Rumi_Maternity-FINAL-11 As you can see from the photo above, baby-daddy is quite good on the slackline. And let me tell you, it looks easier than it is. Consider Exhibit A below, whereby Yours Truly tries her hand at said slackline and requires the assistance of daddy-to-be. What you don't see is me trying it sans assistance, and my legs shaking uncontrollably.

It's freaking hard, but I am so getting one. My birthday is on Thursday. Maybe the birthday fairy will get me one. Actually, the birthday fairy just got me a new monitor, so probably not happening. :)

Here's another fave. I have to say that both baby-daddy and baby-momma were cool about me asking them to do funny things. And this was one of them.

Emily_Rumi_Maternity-FINAL-16 She actually said that it was pretty relaxing. I totally believe her. She looks pretty chill.

Of course, since this was an outdoor session, I brought bubbles. Bubbles are awesome. And they go very well with slacklines.

Emily_Rumi_Maternity-FINAL-25 Now, one of the OTHER requests that I got for this session was to bring my daughter's face paints with me, because momma-to-be wanted to paint her belly. Now that's MY kind of client! You may also recall some other awesome maternity clients who did some belly-painting at their session. Not only did baby-momma have her belly painted, but baby-daddy was totally cool about having his painted too. And they weren't shy about showing off their works of art, either!

Emily_Rumi_Maternity-FINAL-31 And finally, I should mention that I brought some assistants with me. Both my hubby and my daughter were on-hand to provide entertainment, bubbles, fun company, and behind-the-scenes photos. My daughter will also be Emily's son's third cousin and she is TOTALLY psyched about it!

Emily_Rumi_Maternity-FINAL-34 Thanks guys for such a fun session! I need to find more ways to incorporate slacklines and facepaints into my future sessions!